Pouch for Tobacco with an Improved Zipper Closure

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a pouch for tobacco comprising a pocket for containing the tobacco and having an opening providing access to the interior of the pocket, wherein the opening of the pocket is provided with a zipper closure for releasably sealing the opening, and wherein the zipper closure comprises two opposing, longitudinally-extending and interlockable rib and groove profiles, characterized in that at least a part of one of the profiles has intermittent structural alterations along the length of the profiles to provide an intermittent sensory perception, like e.g. an audible and/or tactile sensation, when opening or closing the zipper closure of the pouch.

The present invention is directed to a pouch for tobacco comprising apocket for containing the tobacco and having an opening that is providedwith a zipper closure, wherein the zipper closure has intermittentstructural alterations to provide an intermittent sensory perception,like e.g. an audible and/or tactile sensation, when the zipper is openedor closed.

Consumables like e.g. tobacco are often sold in the form of a pouchpackage. Pouches for tobacco as well as methods of manufacturing thesame are well known in the art. Exemplary embodiments of pouches fortobacco are disclosed in NL 1 001 009 C2 and EP 1 215973 A1.

A typical example of a classical pouch for tobacco comprises a pocketand a flap which allows for closing of the pocket of the pouch byfolding the flap over the pocket. Such pouches are filled with tobacco,sealed and wrapped for sale. In order to prevent spillage from thecontent of the pouch as well as loss of moisture and aroma, the pouchesof the prior art comprise means to releasably close or seal the pocketof the pouch.

Pouches or bags especially made of thermoplastic materials having aso-called zipper as releasable closure member are known in the priorart. Zippers consist of complementary rib and groove profiles whereinthe rib profile is forced into the opposing groove profile to effectclosure of the zipper. However, reliable closing of such zippersrequires good eyesight because it is difficult to line up the rib andgroove profile so that they are in an adequate position forinterlocking. Thus, it may happen that a zipper is not or only partiallyclosed. Furthermore, once the closing of the zipper has been attempted,the user is not certain if the pouch is really closed and the content ofthe pouch is securely packed inside.

This problem has also a great significance especially regarding e.g.pouches that are used for storing tobacco since the consumption oftobacco often takes place in places with poor visibility like e.g.restaurants, bars or clubs. In such places it is even more difficult toalign the profiles of the zipper and close it correctly over its entirelength to be sure that the expensive tobacco will not be spilled due toan incorrectly closed pouch. Thus, there is a need for furtherresealable closure members that can be used for tobacco pouches.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a pouch for tobaccowith an improved zipper closure.

The present invention provides a pouch for tobacco comprising a pocketfor containing the tobacco and having an opening providing access to theinterior of the pocket, wherein the opening of the pocket is providedwith a zipper closure for releasably sealing the opening, and whereinthe zipper closure comprises two opposing, longitudinally-extending andinterlockable rib and groove profiles, characterized in that at least apart of one of the profiles has intermittent structural alterationsalong the length of the profiles to provide an intermittent sensoryperception, like e.g. an audible and/or tactile sensation, when openingor closing the zipper closure of the pouch.

The present invention also provides a pouch for tobacco comprising apocket for containing the tobacco and having an opening providing accessto the interior of the pocket, a flap for covering the pocket of thepouch, wherein the pouch is provided with a zipper closure forreleasably sealing the pouch, and wherein the zipper closure comprisestwo opposing, longitudinally-extending and interlockable rib and grooveprofiles, wherein one of the profiles is arranged on a surface of theflap and the respective opposing profile is arranged on an outer surfaceof the pouch, characterized in that at least a part of one of theprofiles has intermittent structural alterations along the length of theprofiles to provide an intermittent sensory perception, like e.g. anaudible and/or tactile sensation, when opening or closing the zipperclosure of the pouch.

The structural alterations of the profiles provide an intermittentaudible and/or tactile sensation when the rib profile is pressed intothe groove profile to close the zipper thereby indicating or confirmingto the user that the zipper is properly closed. The audible sensationwhich is produced by closing the zipper can be perceived by e.g. aclicking sound. The structural alterations of the profiles provide anintermittent audible and/or tactile sensation when the complementaryprofiles are pulled apart along their length to open the zipper therebyconfirming to the user that the zipper is properly opened. Therefore,these structural alterations of the reclosable zipper of the pouch fortobacco provide an intermittent sensory perception, like e.g. an audibleand/or tactile sensation, when the zipper is opened or closed. Hence,even under difficult conditions like e.g. in places with poorvisibility, the user gets confirmation that the pouch for tobacco isproperly opened or closed due to the intermittent sensory perceptionobtained by the intermittent structural alterations.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singularforms “a”, “an” and “the” include singular and plural referents unlessthe content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to“a profile” includes one profile and a combination of two or moreprofiles and the like.

The pouch of the invention can be manufactured by methods known in theart for the manufacture of classical pouch packages. There are severaltypes of pouches for tobacco known in the art. The inventive pouch fortobacco comprises a pocket which may be formed by a front wall and aback wall which are opposed to each other. Usually, the side edges ofthe front and back walls are sealed together, leaving an opening throughwhich the interior of the pocket of the pouch is accessible. The pocketalso may be formed of a front wall, a back wall and a bottom wall aswell as optionally one or more side walls, like e.g. in a block pouch,block-bottom pouch or stand-up pouch. Optionally, the pouch may comprisea flap which can be arranged as part of the front, back or side wall orwhich may be provided as a separate wall of the pouch. The flap may bearranged at the opening region and allows for covering of the pocket ofthe pouch by folding the flap over the pocket at or near the opening.Usually, the flap has a length sufficient to cover the opening of thepocket.

The present invention is not limited to a certain type of pouch and inprinciple works with all known pouch architectures in which the zipperclosure is integrated.

For releasably closing the pouch of the present invention, the pouchcomprises a zipper closure provided at the opening of the pocket whichmakes it possible for the consumer to reclose the pocket after accessingthe content of the pocket thereby further preventing loss of contents byspillage from the pocket. The reclosable zipper also further reducesingress of air into the pocket and loss of moisture from the contents ofthe pocket ensuring that the content remains moist and does not dry out.Thus, tobacco within the pocket is kept fresh (by the preservation ofaroma and moisture) over a prolonged period of time after the time offirst use.

Alternatively or in addition, for releasably closing the pouch of thepresent invention, the pouch comprises a flap and a zipper closurewherein one of the two opposing rib and groove profiles forming thezipper closure is arranged on a surface of the flap and the respectiveopposing rib or groove profile is arranged on an outer surface of thepouch. This makes it possible for the consumer to reclose the pocket ofthe pouch after accessing the content of the pocket thereby furtherpreventing loss of contents by spillage from the pocket.

The zipper closure of the inventive pouch for tobacco comprises twoopposing, longitudinally extending and interlockable rib and grooveprofiles wherein the longitudinal extension of the profiles issubstantially parallel to the rim of the opening of the tobacco pouch.It is also possible that the longitudinal extension of the profiles issubstantially parallel to the rim of the flap and to the longitudinalextension of the base of the tobacco pouch, respectively.

In the present invention, the term “rib profile” means the male part ofthe zipper which is complementary to the groove profile forming thecorresponding counterpart to the rib profile. The rib profile comprisesa stem and a thickened protrusion. Exemplarily, the rib profile may bearrow-shaped or be in the form of a hook.

The zipper closure of the inventive pouch for tobacco also comprises agroove profile. As used herein, the term “groove profile” denotes thefemale part of the zipper which is complementary to the rib profileforming the corresponding counterpart to the groove profile. The grooveprofile comprises a mouth and a cavity for enclosing the thickenedprotrusion of the rib profile.

Each of the rib and the groove profiles are adapted to interengage withtheir respective corresponding counterpart to form the resealable zipperclosure of the opening of the tobacco pouch. It is preferred that therib and groove profiles jointly form a tight seal along their length inorder to form a substantially leak-proof zipper closure.

In case the zipper closure fixes the flap to an outside surface of thepouch, each of the rib and the groove profiles are adapted tointerengage with their respective corresponding counterpart to form theresealable zipper closure of the tobacco pouch having a flap to whichone of the profiles is attached and wherein the respective opposingprofile is attached to an outer surface of the pouch. It is preferredthat the rib and groove profiles jointly form a tight seal along theirlength.

In the manufacture of the pouch for tobacco one side of the pocket,preferably at or near the opening, is provided with either the rib orthe groove profile. Accordingly, the opposite side of the opening of thepocket is then provided with the respective complementary profile.

In case the zipper closure fixes the flap to an outside surface of thepouch, in the manufacture of the pouch for tobacco, the flap, preferablyat or near its rim, is provided with either the rib or the grooveprofile. Accordingly, an outer surface of the pouch, preferably at thefront or back wall of the pocket, is then provided with the respectivecomplementary profile.

The attachment of the profiles to the pouch may be realized by severalfixing methods known in the art. Preferably, the rib and groove profilesare attached to the pouch material by thermal bonding or adhesion.Preferably, the rib and groove profiles further comprise respectivesupports. Such a support is intended to enlarge the basis of the profilethereby providing a larger surface that can be attached to the materialof the pouch. In case the zipper closure is located at or near theopening of the tobacco pouch, it is also preferred that thecomplementary profiles are sealed together at their ends, e.g. byultrasonic crushing, to provide permanent closure of the zipper at itsends which prevents detachment of the zipper from the tobacco pouch.

According to the present invention, at least a part of one of theprofiles has intermittent structural alterations along the length of theprofiles. As used herein, “structural alterations” of the profiles meanthat the form or shape of said profiles is not uniform but instead it isirregular, i.e. it comprises structural deformations along the length ofthe profiles. The structural alterations are intermittently present onthe profiles. Hence, the profiles exhibit these structural alterationsat distributed spacings so that the structurally altered parts of theprofiles are adjacent to parts of the profiles which do not havestructural alterations. The spacings can be at regular intervals or atirregular intervals.

Preferably, the structural alterations are arranged at regular intervalsalong the length of the profiles. It is also preferred that theintermittent structural alterations are arranged along the completelength of the profiles. More preferably, the structural alterations arearranged at regular intervals along the complete length of the profiles.This has the advantage that a constant audible and/or tactile sensationover the whole length of the profiles can be perceived upon opening orclosure of the zipper.

The structural alterations of the profiles may be indentations.According to the present invention, the term “indentation” shall beunderstood as a recess or notch on the edge or surface of the profilesof the zipper closure. Preferably, these indentations are crushings.Similarly preferred are indentations in the form of incisions, whereinthe incisions can be either with or without removal of material. Theincisions may be produced by a blade, a laser, an ultrasonic or othersimilar means known in the art.

According to the present invention, the depth of the indentations is atleast 10%, preferably 25%, more preferably 50%, even more preferably75%, most preferably 100% of the height of the profiles. The depth ofthe indentations is measured towards the base of the profiles startingfrom the side of the profile that is opposite to the profile's base. Thedeeper the indentations of the profiles are, the better the audibleand/or tactile sensation can be perceived by the user when opening orclosing the zipper.

Preferably, the indentations are arranged in the profile in a directionsubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of theprofile.

The structural alterations of the profiles may also be flarings.According to the present invention, the term “flaring” shall beunderstood as a widening in the shape e.g. of the edges or surfaces ofthe profiles of the zipper closure. Preferably, these flarings arebulges.

The width of the profiles in the area of the flarings is 10% to 200%broader than the width in the adjacent areas of the profiles which donot have flarings. Preferably, the width of the profiles in the area ofthe flarings is 50% to 150%, more preferably 75% to 125% broader thanthe width in the adjacent areas of the profiles which do not haveflarings.

In case both the rib profile and the groove profile of the zipperclosure have the intermittent structural alterations, said structuralalterations may be arranged in an offset position to each other when thezipper closure is closed. Especially in case the structural alterationsare indentations, like e.g. incisions, it is preferred that theindentations are arranged in an offset position to each other when thezipper closure is closed since this arrangement minimizes the likelihoodof spilling the content of the pouch through the closed zipper. This isespecially preferred in embodiments where the zipper closure is locatedat or near the opening of the tobacco pouch.

Alternatively, when both the rib profile and the groove profile of thezipper closure have the intermittent structural alterations it is alsopossible that said structural alterations are arranged in a directlyopposing position to each other when the zipper is closed. Especially incase the structural alterations are flarings, like e.g. bulges, it ispreferred that the indentations are arranged in a directly opposingposition to each other when the zipper is closed since this arrangementminimizes the likelihood of spilling the content of the pouch throughthe closed zipper. This is especially preferred in embodiments where thezipper closure is located at or near the opening of the tobacco pouch.

According to the invention, it is possible that at least a part of oneof the profiles has intermitting structural alterations of differentkinds. This means that the profile may e.g. exhibit flarings andincisions. The flarings and incisions may be arranged along thelongitudinal extension of the profile side by side, wherein the flaringsand incisions may be arranged at regular and/or irregular intervals. Theflarings and incisions may be arranged in an alternating way along thelength of the profile. It is possible that profile parts which do nothave structural alterations are adjacent to the profile parts exhibitingthe flarings or incisions. Alternatively, the flarings and incisions canalso be arranged on the same spot of the profile resulting in a profilepart with flarings which themselves comprise one or more incisions.

According to the invention, the supports of the profiles may comprisefurther modifications. Preferably, these modifications are elevationslike e.g. ribs. Preferably, the ribs are arranged in a substantiallyparallel position to the profiles. This may enhance the tactileperception of the user e.g. when closing the zipper since the usersfingers are guided by the continuous ribs which confirms that theprofiles are in a correct position for interlocking and at the same timethe structural alterations of the profiles provide an intermittentsensory perception additionally confirming the correct closure of thezipper.

The pouch of the invention may be manufactured by using one or moreflexible sheets according to manufacturing processes and methods knownin the art. Preferably, the pouch of the present invention is formed ofa single piece of flexible sheet material (also called a blank) which isfolded and welded to form the pocket of the pouch. The flexible sheetmaterial preferably comprises or consists of:

a polymer, preferably a plastic polymer like e.g. a polyolefine,polyethylene, polyester or methylized polyester;

a metal, a metal alloy, a metal foil and/or a metallized laminate;

a paper;

or a combination thereof.

The flexible sheet material may comprise or consist of a polymer havingthermoplastic properties such as a polyolefin, e.g. polyethylene or thelike. The flexible sheet material can have a single layer or multiplelayers bonded together. A sheet that is formed by multiple layers bondedtogether is called a laminate.

The zipper closure of the pouch for tobacco is made of a polymericmaterial. The polymeric material preferably comprises or consists ofpolyethylene, polypropylene or mixtures thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the pouch for tobacco comprises a zipperclosure wherein one of the profiles has intermittent structuralalterations along its length. The structural alterations areindentations which are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinalextension of the profile and have a depth of at least 25% of the heightof the profile.

In a particular preferred embodiment, the pouch for tobacco comprises azipper closure wherein one of the profiles has structural alterationsalong the length of the profile. The structural alterations arecrushings, which are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinalextension of the profile and have a depth of at least 25% of the heightof the profile.

In a particular preferred embodiment, the pouch for tobacco comprises azipper closure wherein the rib profile is continuous and has nostructural alterations, whereas the groove profile has intermittentstructural alterations along its length. The structural alterations arecrushings, which are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinalextension of the profiles and have a depth of at least 25% of the heightof the profile. Preferably, the crushings have a depth of 25% to 100% ofthe height of the profile.

In a preferred embodiment, the pouch for tobacco comprises a zipperclosure wherein both the rib and the groove profile have intermittentstructural alterations along the length of the profiles. The structuralalterations are indentations which are substantially perpendicular tothe longitudinal extension of the profiles and have a depth of at least25% of the height of the profiles.

In a particular preferred embodiment, the pouch for tobacco comprises azipper closure wherein both the rib and the groove profile haveintermittent structural alterations in the form of incisions preferablywithout removal of material. The incisions are substantiallyperpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the profiles and have adepth of at least 25% of the height of the profiles. Preferably, theincisions have a depth of 25% to 100% of the height of the profiles.Preferably, the incisions are arranged in an offset position to eachother when the zipper closure is closed. Additionally, it is preferredthat the profiles further comprise respective supports which comprisefurther modifications in the form of elevations. Preferably, saidelevations are ribs.

In a preferred embodiment, the pouch for tobacco comprises a zipperclosure wherein both the rib and the groove profile have intermittentstructural alterations along the length of the profiles. The structuralalterations are flarings and the width of the profiles in the area ofthe flarings is at least 10% to 200% broader than the width in theadjacent areas of the profiles which do not have flarings.

In a particular preferred embodiment, the pouch for tobacco comprises azipper closure wherein both the rib and the groove profile haveintermittent structural alterations along the length of the profileswherein the structural alterations are flarings. The width of theprofiles in the area of the flarings is at least 10% to 200% broaderthan the width in the adjacent areas of the profiles which do not haveflarings. Preferably, the flarings are arranged in a directly opposingposition to each other when the zipper closure is closed.

The zipper closure of the pouch of the present invention preferablycomprises one or more printed elements arranged on at least one of thesurfaces of the zipper closure. Such printed element(s) may comprisetext, pictures and/or other visual elements. The skilled person is wellaware of materials and techniques commonly used to print elements onsurfaces like e.g. polymer layers. The present invention is not limitedto a certain method of printing elements on surfaces; however suitablemethods of printing elements on surfaces, e.g. on polymer layers,include rotogravure, flexoprint and digital printing.

The provision of printed elements on the zipper closure of the pouch ofthe present invention allows for additional design and consumercommunication options in combination with optional printed elementspresent on the pouch material as such. Thus, arrangement of appropriateprinted elements on a surface of the zipper closure allows avoiding anyinterruption of the design or appearance of the pouch material used evenin the area where the zipper closure is applied (i.e. covers a certainpart of a surface of said pouch material). Another advantage of thisinvention is that it is now possible to convey text, pictures and/orother visual elements, like e.g. branding messages, on the inside of thepouch, without directly printing on a surface of the pouch material.This is less technically complex and cheaper.

At least one printed element may be present on the rib profile.Alternatively, such a printed element may also be present on the grooveprofile or on both profiles.

Such a printed element can be arranged on an inner surface, an outersurface, a surface between the inner most surface and the outer mostsurface or on any combination of surfaces of the zipper closure, inparticular of the rib profile and/or of the groove profile. The at leastone printed element can be applied to the outermost sealant surface ofthe zipper closure, wherein the sealant surface is the surface of thezipper closure which is used for sealing the zipper closure to the pouchmaterial. By using such a reverse print approach, the ink of the printedelement is sandwiched between the surface of the zipper closure and thepouch material. In this setting, the printed elements are viewed througha transparent body of the zipper closure.

Such a printed element is preferably provided to cover at least a partof a surface of the zipper closure of the pouch of the invention.However, the zipper closure of the pouch of the present invention canalso comprise two or more printed elements arranged on the same ordifferent surfaces of the zipper closure. Thus, it is possible that afirst surface of the zipper closure comprises one or more printedelements, whereas a second surface of the zipper closure comprises none,one or more printed elements, wherein said printed elements on thesecond surface may be the same or different from the printed elementspresent on the first surface of the zipper closure.

A pouch of the present invention comprising a zipper closure with one ormore printed elements arranged on at least one surface of the zipperclosure can be manufactured by various methods. An exemplary embodimentof such a method comprises the following steps:

Providing elements of the zipper closure, e.g. rib and/or grooveprofiles, wherein at least one surface of said element of the zipperclosure is transparent or stained in a colour which contrasts with theprinted element to be applied on said surface;

Print at least one printed element on said at least one surface; and

Applying the zipper closure or element thereof to a pouch in order toform a pouch of the present invention.

Although provision of a printed element on at least one surface of azipper closure has been disclosed above with regard to the zipperclosures of the pouch of the present invention, the teaching ofarranging a printed element on a surface of a zipper closure is notlimited to the particular types of zipper closures disclosed above. Saidteaching is generally applicable to all types of zipper closuressuitable for use in pouches for tobacco. This teaching is e.g. alsoapplicable to the pouches and zipper closures disclosed in EP 1 017593B1.

In particular, said teaching is applicable to a pouch for tobaccocomprising a pocket for containing the tobacco and having a mouthproviding access to the interior of the pocket and a flap capable offolding over the pocket at or near the mouth wherein the mouth of thepocket is provided, along one edge, with a closure strip adapted tointerengage with a complementary closure strip provided along the otheredge to reclosably seal the mouth of the pocket. In said pouch, themouth of the pocket can be provided, along one edge, with a firstextruded platic strip having a grooved surface and along the other edgewith a second extruded plastic strip having a ribbed surface wherein theribbed surface of the second strip and the grooved surface of the firststrip are adapted to form an interlocking seal when pressed together.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides a secondpouch for tobacco comprising a pocket for containing the tobacco andhaving a mouth providing access to the interior of the pocket and a flapcapable of folding over the pocket at or near the mouth wherein themouth of the pocket is provided, at one edge, with a closure stripadapted to interengage with a complementary closure strip provided atthe other edge to reclosably seal the mouth of the pocket, wherein oneor more printed elements are arranged on at least one of the surfaces ofthe closure strip and/or the complementary closure strip.

Such second pouch can be formed simply from a first rectangular flexibleplastic sheet on which a pocket is provided by adhesively bonding asecond smaller rectangle of similar material along three of its edges tothe first sheet. Preferably, however, the second pouch is formed from ablank comprising a rectangular sheet of plastic material by folding overthe sheet on itself and welding together the overlapping edges to form apocket. The portion of the original blank extending beyond the mouth ofthe pocket forms the flap which can then be folded over the pocket.

Such a second pouch is typically formed from a sheet or film of athermoplastics material such as a polyolefin, e.g., polyethylene. Thesheet or film may be a laminate of two or more layers of similar ordifferent thermoplastics material, metalized or metal coated materialand/or printed paper sheet as is used in the manufacture of conventionalpouches.

According to the invention, there is provided at the mouth of the pocketin the second pouch a reclosable fastener. This is achieved by providingone edge of the mouth of the pocket with a first closure strip and theopposing edge of the mouth of the pocket with a second closure striphaving a profile complementary to that of the first closure strip andcapable of interengaging therewith.

The reclosable fastener is a zipper, preferably a zipper one element ofwhich is a closure strip having at least one groove and the otherelement of which is a closure strip having at least one rib of profilecomplementary to the groove or grooves of the other closure strip.

In the manufacture of the second pouch the opposing edges of the mouthof the pocket are provided with the complementary closure stripstypically by thermally bonding the closure strips to the opposingsurfaces of the pocket at or near the mouth thereof. Preferably, theopposing and complementary closure strips at their ends are sealedtogether, typically by ultrasonic crushing, to provide permanent closureof the fastener at its ends.

The zipper of the second pouch of the present invention preferablycomprises one or more printed elements arranged on at least one of thesurfaces of the zipper, e.g. arranged on one or more surfaces of atleast one of the closure strips forming said zipper. Such printedelement(s) may comprise text, pictures and/or other visual elements. Theskilled person is well aware of materials and techniques commonly usedto print elements on surfaces like e.g. polymer layers. The presentinvention is not limited to a certain method of printing elements onsurfaces; however suitable methods of printing elements on surfaces,e.g. on polymer layers, include rotogravure, flexoprint and digitalprinting.

The provision of printed elements on the zipper of the second pouch ofthe present invention allows for additional design and consumercommunication options in combination with optional printed elementspresent on the second pouch material as such. Thus, arrangement ofappropriate printed elements on a surface of the zipper allows avoidingany interruption of the design or appearance of the second pouchmaterial used even in the area where the zipper is applied (i.e. coversa certain part of a surface of said second pouch material). Anotheradvantage of this invention is that it is now possible to convey text,pictures and/or other visual elements, like e.g. branding messages, onthe inside of the pouch, without directly printing on a surface of thepouch material. This is less technically complex and cheaper.

At least one printed element may be present on a first closure strip.Alternatively, such a printed element may also be present on a secondclosure strip being complementary to the first closure strip or on bothstrips.

Such a printed element can be arranged on an inner surface, an outersurface, a surface between the inner most surface and the outer mostsurface or on any combination of surfaces of the zipper, in particularof the first closure strip and/or of the second closure strip beingcomplementary to the first closure strip. The at least one printedelement can be applied to the outermost sealant surface of the zipper,wherein the sealant surface is the surface of the zipper which is usedfor sealing the zipper to the pouch material. By using such a reverseprint approach, the ink of the printed element is sandwiched between thesurface of the zipper and the pouch material. In this setting, theprinted elements are viewed through a transparent body of the zipper.

Such a printed element is preferably provided to cover at least a partof a surface of the zipper of the second pouch of the invention.However, the zipper closure of the second pouch of the present inventioncan also comprise two or more printed elements arranged on the same ordifferent surfaces of the zipper. Thus, it is possible that a firstsurface of the zipper comprises one or more printed elements, whereas asecond surface of the zipper comprises none, one or more printedelements, wherein said printed elements on the second surface may be thesame or different from the printed elements present on the first surfaceof the zipper.

A second pouch of the present invention comprising a zipper with one ormore printed elements arranged on at least one surface of the zipper canbe manufactured by various methods. An exemplary embodiment of such amethod comprises the following steps:

Providing elements of the zipper closure, e.g. first and/or secondclosure strips, wherein at least one surface of said element of thezipper is transparent or stained in a colour which contrasts with theprinted element to be applied on said surface;

Printing at least one printed element on said at least one surface; and

Applying the zipper or element thereof to a second pouch in order toform a second pouch of the present invention.

The nature of the invention is further exemplified by way of thefollowing figures and examples.

FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a front view of one embodiment of the tobacco pouch of thepresent invention in an open configuration and a cross-sectional lineA-A (A). (B) shows a front view of another embodiment of the tobaccopouch of the present invention in an open configuration and across-sectional line A-A.

FIG. 2 shows the embodiment of the pouch of FIG. 1A in a cross-sectionalview along the line A-A of the pouch in an open configuration (A). (B)shows the embodiment of the pouch of FIG. 1B in a cross-sectional viewalong the line A-A of the pouch in a closed configuration.

FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of the zipper of FIG. 2 in a cross-sectionalview along the A-A line wherein in (A) the zipper is formed by a rib anda groove profile and in (B) the zipper is formed by a rib and a grooveprofile having respective supports flanking their bases.

FIG. 4 shows individual views of one embodiment of a rib profile (A) anda groove profile (B) forming in combination a zipper closure of thepouch for tobacco according to the present invention, wherein theintermittent structural alterations are incisions without removal ofmaterial.

FIG. 5 shows individual views of one embodiment of a rib profile (A) anda groove profile (B) forming in combination a zipper closure of thepouch for tobacco according to the present invention, wherein theintermittent structural alterations of the groove profile are crushings.

FIG. 6 shows individual views of one embodiment of a rib profile (A) anda groove profile (B) forming in combination a zipper closure of thepouch for tobacco according to the present invention, wherein theintermittent structural alterations are flarings.

EXAMPLES

In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 a pouch 1 according to the present invention isshown. The A-A line

indicates a cross-section through the pouch 1 of FIG. 1.

The pouch 1 is formed of a blank which can be a rectangle of flexiblethermoplastics sheet, e.g., polyethylene, which has been folded backalong itself to form a base 2 and sealed along side edges 3 and 4, forinstance, by thermal welding. The pouch has a pocket portion 5 and aflap portion 7. The flap 7 is shown in an open configuration althoughthis will normally be folded over the pocket 5 when access to the pocket5 is not required (FIG. 1).

FIG. 2 shows the different embodiments of the pouch 1 of FIG. 1 in across-sectional view along the line A-A, wherein in FIG. 2A the pouch(1) of FIG. 1A is shown with a flap in opened configuration and in FIG.2B the pouch (1) of FIG. 1B is shown with a flap in closedconfiguration.

The pocket 5 has an opening 6 to allow access to the pocket 5. Asdepicted in FIG. 2A the inner side of the opening 6 comprises a zipperclosure 8 which can reclosably seal the opening 6. The zipper closure 8comprises two opposing rib and groove profiles 9 and 10 which are fixedto the respective opposing surfaces of the opening 6 of the pocket 5 bye.g. thermal welding. The complementary rib and groove profiles 9 and 10of the zipper closure 8 get interlocked when pressed together therebyclosing the opening 6 of the pocket 5. The end sections of the profiles9, 10 may be permanently sealed e.g. by ultrasonically crushing, inorder to prevent an opening of the zipper closure 8 from its ends.

As illustrated in FIG. 2B the zipper closure 8 can reclosably seal thepouch 1. The zipper closure 8 comprises two opposing rib and grooveprofiles 9 and 10. The rib or groove profile 9 or 10 is arranged on asurface of the flap 7 and the respective opposing profile 9 or 10 isarranged on an outer surface of the pouch 1 by e.g. thermal welding. Thecomplementary rib and groove profiles 9 and 10 of the zipper closure 8get interlocked when pressed together thereby closing the pouch 1.

In FIG. 3 different embodiments of the zipper closure 8 are shown in aclosed configuration.

FIG. 3A illustrates the closed zipper 8 wherein the rib profile 9 andthe groove profile 10 are interlocked. The rib profile 9 comprises astem 9.1 and a thickened protrusion 9.2. The groove profile 10 comprisesa mouth 10.1 and a cavity 10.2 for enclosing the thickened protrusion9.2 of the rib profile 9.

The rib profile 9 and the groove profile 10 may further comprise arespective support 11 and 12 (FIG. 3B). Such supports comprise a largersurface compared to the bases of the profiles 9 and 10. The former canbe an advantage for the fixation of the profiles 9 and 10 on theopposing surfaces of the opening 6 of the pocket 5.

In FIG. 4, a first embodiment of the zipper 8 of the inventive pouch 1for tobacco is shown.

FIG. 4A shows the rib profile 9 which comprises a support 11. Theprofile 9 has structural alterations in the form of incisions at regularintervals along its length which are in a direction substantiallyperpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the profile 9. For theseincisions no material has been removed from the rib profile 9. The sideof the support 11 from which the rib profile 9 rises, the support 11further comprises elevations 15 in the form of ribs which are situatedsubstantially parallel to the rib profile 9.

The opposing groove profile 10 is illustrated in FIG. 4B. The profile 10also comprises a support 12 and has structural alterations in the formof incisions at regular intervals along the length of the profile. Theseincisions are in a direction substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal extension of the profile 10 and no material has beenremoved from the profile 10. The side of the support 12 from which thegroove profile rises, the support 12 further comprises elevations 15which are situated substantially parallel to the groove profile 10. Theelevations 15 are ribs.

In FIG. 5, a second embodiment of the zipper 8 of the inventive pouch 1for tobacco is depicted.

FIG. 5A shows a rib profile 9 of the zipper closure 8 wherein the ribprofile 9 is formed of continuous material and therefore does notcomprise any directly visible structural alterations. The rib profile 9comprises a support 11. The support 11 does not comprise any furthermodifications.

The corresponding groove profile 10 of the zipper closure 8 is shown inFIG. 5B. The groove profile 10 is sequentially altered by crushings 13which are arranged at regular intervals along the length of the grooveprofile 10. The groove profile comprises a support 12 which does notcomprise any further modifications.

In FIG. 6, a third embodiment of the zipper 8 of the inventive pouch 1for tobacco is shown.

FIG. 6A shows the rib profile 9 of the zipper closure 8 which comprisesa support 11. The rib profile 9 has flarings 14 as intermittentstructural alterations which are arranged at regular intervals along thelength of the rib profile 9. The support 11 comprises no furthermodifications.

The complementary groove profile 10 is shown in FIG. 6B. The grooveprofile 10 comprises a support 12 which does not comprise furthermodifications. The groove profile 10 has flarings 14 along its lengthwhich are arranged at regular intervals along the longitudinal extensionof the groove profile 10.

1. A pouch for tobacco comprising a pocket for containing the tobaccoand having an opening providing access to the interior of the pocket,wherein the opening of the pocket is provided with a zipper closure forreleasably sealing the opening, and wherein the zipper closure comprisestwo opposing, longitudinally-extending and interlockable rib and grooveprofiles, wherein at least a part of one of the profiles hasintermittent structural alterations along the length of the profiles toprovide an intermittent sensory perception, when opening or closing thezipper closure of the pouch.
 2. The pouch of claim 1 further comprisinga flap for covering of the pocket of the pouch, and wherein one of thelongitudinally extending profiles is arranged on a surface of the flapand the respective opposing longitudinally extending profile is arrangedon an outer surface of the pouch.
 3. The pouch of claim 1, wherein theintermittent sensory perception is selected from a group consisting ofan audible or tactile sensation.
 4. The pouch of claim 3, wherein thestructural alterations are indentations.
 5. The pouch of claim 4,wherein the indentations are crushings or incisions.
 6. The pouch ofclaim 5, wherein a depth of the indentations is at least 10%, preferably25%, more preferably 50%, even more preferably 75%, most preferably 100%of the height of the profiles.
 7. The pouch of claim 6, wherein theindentations are in a direction substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal extension of the profiles.
 8. The pouch of claim 3, whereinthe structural alterations are arranged at regular or irregularintervals along the length of the profiles.
 9. The pouch of claim 3,wherein the structural alterations are arranged at irregular intervalsalong the length of the profiles.
 10. The pouch of claim 3, wherein thestructural alterations are flarings.
 11. The pouch of claim 10, whereinthe flarings are bulges.
 12. The pouch of claim 4, wherein only thegroove profile of the zipper closure has the intermittent structuralalterations.
 13. The pouch of claim 12, wherein the structuralalterations are crushings with a depth of 25% to 100% of the height ofthe profile.
 14. The pouch of claim 3, wherein the rib profile and thegroove profile of the zipper closure have the intermittent structuralalterations.
 15. The pouch of claim 14, wherein the structuralalterations of the profiles are arranged in an offset position to eachother when the zipper closure is closed.
 16. The pouch of claim 15,wherein the structural alterations are incisions with a depth of 25% to100% of the height of the profiles.
 17. The pouch of claim 14, whereinthe structural alterations of the profiles are arranged in a directlyopposing position to each other when the zipper closure is closed. 18.The pouch of claim 17, wherein the structural alterations are flaringsand wherein the width of the profile in the area of the flarings is 10%to 200% broader than the width in the adjacent areas of the profileswhich do not have flarings.
 19. The pouch of claim 3, wherein the zipperclosure comprises one or more printed elements arranged on at least oneof the surfaces of the zipper closure.